Page 66 of Savoring Christmas
“Your soon to be sisters-in-law will help you find something quickly,” Abby said.
“Can we invite Patty and the kids?” Mia asked.
“Absolutely,” Logan said. “And all my family, obviously. God help us.”
“I’ll do the flowers,” Reese said. “I have a good friend who works at the flower shop.”
Everyone started brainstorming about how to put a small wedding together quickly. But most of it floated over Logan’s head. He was too busy looking at his beautiful fiancée.”
16
MIA
Mia didn’t think it would be possible to put together a wedding in a few days, but, like everything that season, it all came together as if by magic. Max had offered to officiate, mostly as a joke, but Logan and Mia thought it was a perfect idea.
Fresh snow blanketed the ground outside Logan’s house, and—inside—the living room had been transformed by their friends and family. Strings of white lights crisscrossed the ceiling beams, candles flickered on the mantle, and pine garlands ran along the windowsills, draped with red berries and tiny gold bells. The Christmas tree stood in the corner, glowing proudly with the ornaments they’d picked out together just days ago.
As promised, Abby, Laney, and Charlie had all swept in to help Mia find a dress. They’d gone to Burlington and made a day of it, with a girls’ lunch and shopping afterward. Happily, they’d found the perfect dress at a vintage shop that seemed to have been made for Mia, although it had been sewn decades before she was even born.
Now, just moments before the ceremony was to begin, Mia was upstairs with Reese, who had volunteered to help with herhair and makeup. “From my years dancing, I know just how to make you look your absolute best,” she’d said when she asked if Mia would like help.
Mia stood in front of the full-length mirror in her vintage tea-length wedding dress, the soft sheen of matte satin catching the light. The sleeveless bodice hugged her frame in clean, elegant lines, dipping into a subtle V at the neckline. At her waist, a slender satin belt tied it all together with quiet grace. The full A-line skirt flared gently as she moved, falling to mid-calf in a perfect 1950s twirl of fabric.
“You look like Audrey Hepburn,” Reese said.
“I do like how I look in it,” Mia said shyly. “I’ve never really had much reason to dress up, but I guess—on my wedding day—the chef can take off her apron.”
“You only get married once,” Reese said.
“That’s the plan,” Mia said.
A soft knock came at the door before it opened, and Thelma and Abby slipped inside, eyes bright with anticipation. Abby carried a small white box tied with a silver ribbon. Thelma held something carefully wrapped in tissue paper.
“Dear me, aren’t you a vision,” Thelma said.
“You really are,” Abby said. “But there are a few missing pieces. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to provide you with something borrowed, something blue, something new.”
Reese crossed to the dresser and picked up a slender velvet case that Mia hadn’t noticed before.
“For the borrowed.” Reese opened the lid to reveal a delicate silver tiara, its crystals catching the light. “I wore this when I danced Odette inSwan Lake. It was one of the most magical nights of my life. I want you to have a little of that magic with you today.”
Mia’s throat tightened. “It’s so pretty. I love it.” The tiara was more than just beautiful—it shimmered with history, withdreams fulfilled, with the courage it took to step into a spotlight. Mia let Reese settle it into her hair, which Reese had coaxed into a chignon at the base of her neck.
“You look like a princess. Or—better yet—like a queen,” Reese said admiringly.
“I’ve brought you something blue.” Thelma said next as she stepped forward, her smile tender as she unwrapped the tissue to reveal a neatly pressed handkerchief embroidered with tiny blue forget-me-nots. “My mama made this for me on my wedding day. She told me blue meant loyalty, love, and truth. I carried it in my hand, just like you will now.”
Mia ran her fingertips over the embroidery, feeling the delicate stitches beneath her skin. It smelled faintly of lavender, as though Thelma’s mother had just folded it away in a drawer. “Thank you, Thelma,” Mia whispered, her eyes pricking with tears.
“I have something new for you,” Abby said as she handed Mia a small box. Inside nestled a silver charm bracelet. Three charms had been added: a book, a dog, and a pizza slice. “We each chose a charm for you, but, over the years, I’m sure Logan will add more.
“Let me guess,” Mia said. “Laney picked out the book. You chose the dog. And the pizza slice is from Charlie.”
“That’s right.” Abby laughed. “Not too hard to figure out. We wanted you to feel welcomed into the family by your new sisters. We’re going to have so many wonderful times together as a family.”
“I couldn’t love it more,” Mia said.
“And we’ve already told Logan he’s to get you a new charm every year for Christmas,” Abby said as she fastened the bracelet around Mia’s wrist. “Like all the Hayes boys, he knows it’s best to keep his wife happy.”
